Fire alarm and low voltage estimating
We estimate fire alarm, voice and data, security, CCTV, access control, nurse call and audio/visual systems, either as part of a full electrical estimate or on their own. Every device is counted by type and located on the drawings, cabling is measured, and verification and programming allowances are listed separately.
What we count, measure and list
Low voltage systems are many small devices and long cable runs. Both are where estimates go short.
| System | Counted | Measured | Listed separately |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire alarm | Detectors, pull stations, modules, horns, strobes, speakers, panels, annunciators | Signal and initiating circuits, riser cable | Verification, programming |
| Voice and data | Outlets, cables per outlet, racks, patch panels | Average cable run, cable tray, J-hooks | Terminations, testing |
| Security and CCTV | Cameras, card readers, door contacts, request-to-exit, motion sensors | Cable to each device and door | Head-end equipment quotes |
| Audio/visual | Boxes, floor boxes, projector and display rough-in | Conduit and pull strings | AV equipment by others |
| Nurse call and intercom | Stations, dome lights, pull cords, masters | Rough-in and cabling | System supplier quote |
How each system is estimated
Fire alarm
Initiating devices (smoke and heat detectors, duct detectors, pull stations, flow and tamper connections) and signalling devices (horns, strobes, speakers) are counted by type from the fire alarm plans and riser. Panels, annunciators and remote power supplies come from the riser diagram and specification. Wiring is measured by circuit. Verification and programming are carried as separate lines, so you can replace our allowance with your verification subcontractor's price.
Voice and data
Outlets are counted with the number of cables each one needs. Cable is priced from an average run per floor or zone, measured from the telecom rooms, plus cable tray and J-hooks, racks, patch panels, terminations and testing as the specification requires.
Security and CCTV
Cameras, card readers, door contacts, request-to-exit devices, electrified hardware and intrusion devices are counted door by door from the security plans and door hardware schedule. Head-end equipment is listed for supplier quotes.
Low voltage only
Low voltage and fire alarm contractors can send us only their systems. The estimate is built and delivered the same way as a full electrical estimate.
Fire alarm and low voltage questions
Do you include fire alarm verification?
Yes. Verification is required by the specification on almost every project, and we carry it as a separate line so you can replace our allowance with your verification subcontractor's quote.
Can we send only the fire alarm or low voltage scope?
Yes. Many low voltage and fire alarm contractors send us only their systems. We estimate them the same way: devices counted by type, cabling measured, and every item marked on the drawings.
Send the drawings. Get a fixed price within one working hour.
Tell us your bid closing. If we cannot meet it, we say so before any work starts. And if the general contractor later questions your price, we defend it with you.